Turned down

G

GritGuardian

Appts: USMA USAFA USMMA USCGA
Joined
Feb 3, 2025
Messages
75
After being in a pending status for six months, I just received an email stating that my application was not accepted, and instead I was offered a spot at NAPS. I am still very grateful for the NAPS opportunity, but I’m having a hard time understanding how I did not receive an appointment. I received LOAs from the other four academies I applied to and was awarded an NROTC scholarship. I understand that each academy evaluates applicants differently, but I believe I have a very strong overall application. Additionally, my interview went very well, and my BGO recommended me highly. Since USNA was my first choice, this outcome is quite shocking. Should I consider contacting admissions for further clarification?
After being in a pending status for six months, I just received an email stating that my application was not accepted, and instead I was offered a spot at NAPS. I am still very grateful for the NAPS opportunity, but I’m having a hard time understanding how I did not receive an appointment. I received LOAs from the other four academies I applied to and was awarded an NROTC scholarship. I understand that each academy evaluates applicants differently, but I believe I have a very strong overall application. Additionally, my interview went very well, and my BGO recommended me highly. Since USNA was my first choice, this outcome is quite shocking. Should I consider contacting admissions for further clarification?

* After reading the email more carefully, I realized that I had completely misread it the first time—it stated that I was not selected for admission to NAPS. I apologize for the confusion.
 
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You weren't turned down. You are being given an opportunity to improve in areas that the USNA feels you might need some work. They want you, but think there is a little more to do to get there.

If you have other opportunities that you think will suit you better, take advantage of them. But, if your dream is the USNA, then you have the ticket to the door in your hand and it is is yours to cash in if you want.

Congrats on so many successful opportunities. Tough choices to make!
 
GritGuardian said:
After being in a pending status for six months, I just received an email stating that my application was not accepted, and instead I was offered a spot at NAPS. I am still very grateful for the NAPS opportunity, but I’m having a hard time understanding how I did not receive an appointment. I received LOAs from the other four academies I applied to and was awarded an NROTC scholarship. I understand that each academy evaluates applicants differently, but I believe I have a very strong overall application. Additionally, my interview went very well, and my BGO recommended me highly. Since USNA was my first choice, this outcome is quite shocking. Should I consider contacting admissions for further clarification?
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I don't consider a NAPS spot a "turn down". Not to be abrupt, but if USNA is really your first choice, you will jump at the opportunity. Try to keep the perspective that there are literally hundreds of candidates that would kill to be in your position.
 
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You Did receive an Appointment to NAVY* … but they believe an extra year at NAPs is what you need ….

You can utilize your NROTC scholarship and become a Naval or Marine Corp officer … or you can Accept the NAPs offer and your spot at The Academy will be there for you next year …

You have 2 awesome choices … and the other Service choices that you mention as well …
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That really is an amazing offer.

Different SA’s have different standards.

And you are competing with different people via each SA.

Take some time to think about it. But a NAPS is an amazing offer. I’ve never seen a person post that they regret taking it. You come into Usna with a group of friends already formed, you are highly valued by your new plebe mates as you know what you’re doing, and you have figured out collegiate level academics. It’s not a bad deal. At all. In fact, it’s a blessing.
 
GritGuardian said:
After being in a pending status for six months, I just received an email stating that my application was not accepted, and instead I was offered a spot at NAPS. I am still very grateful for the NAPS opportunity, but I’m having a hard time understanding how I did not receive an appointment. I received LOAs from the other four academies I applied to and was awarded an NROTC scholarship. I understand that each academy evaluates applicants differently, but I believe I have a very strong overall application. Additionally, my interview went very well, and my BGO recommended me highly. Since USNA was my first choice, this outcome is quite shocking. Should I consider contacting admissions for further clarification?
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Take a deep breath. If you want USNA as a path to a Navy or Marine Corps commission, you have it. USNA is saving you a place in 2031. Throw pride out the window if USNA is your heart’s desire.

LOAs to other SAs are apples to the naval orange (that just happened, not trying to be punny), and I know this is unsettling. They all know what they are looking for, specific to their commissioning program. You also do not know what your competition was like in your various nom categories.

They did not make a mistake. Admissions takes the time it needs to make hard decisions for thousands of excellent candidates.

You have great choices. Let this settle and decide what you want to do.

I would recommend a call in June if you had been completely rejected and planned to reapply. But you weren’t. They will probably not be able to pinpoint specifics, just that competition is always fierce.

NAPS will give you precise prep that will greatly lessen plebe academic stress, military and professional experience (marching, uniform wear, ranks, Navy jargon, making beds, etc.) that will make you a rockstar to your inexperienced 2031 roommates, enlisted status so you have a SECNAV nom, time in service, a year away from home to mature, and a solid group of shipmates to go with you to join 1000+ classmates on I-Day. Your plebe summer and plebe year will be greatly eased.

If you choose that path. With your options, focus on what service and officer specialties feel like your path, and reverse engineer to a starting point. Know your why and how, and choose accordingly.
 
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GritGuardian said:
After being in a pending status for six months, I just received an email stating that my application was not accepted, and instead I was offered a spot at NAPS. I am still very grateful for the NAPS opportunity, but I’m having a hard time understanding how I did not receive an appointment. I received LOAs from the other four academies I applied to and was awarded an NROTC scholarship. I understand that each academy evaluates applicants differently, but I believe I have a very strong overall application. Additionally, my interview went very well, and my BGO recommended me highly. Since USNA was my first choice, this outcome is quite shocking. Should I consider contacting admissions for further clarification?
After being in a pending status for six months, I just received an email stating that my application was not accepted, and instead I was offered a spot at NAPS. I am still very grateful for the NAPS opportunity, but I’m having a hard time understanding how I did not receive an appointment. I received LOAs from the other four academies I applied to and was awarded an NROTC scholarship. I understand that each academy evaluates applicants differently, but I believe I have a very strong overall application. Additionally, my interview went very well, and my BGO recommended me highly. Since USNA was my first choice, this outcome is quite shocking. Should I consider contacting admissions for further clarification?

* After reading the email more carefully, I realized that I had completely misread it the first time—it stated that I was not selected for admission to NAPS. I apologize for the confusion.
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Sorry to read your update, GG. Tough day. :(
 
Take the NAPS appointment. You'll have to enlist as a E-1 in the USNR.

My oldest was NAPS 2024 and USNA 2028. the year at NAPS helped him and others a lot in calculus, chemistry and physics. He said he would have failed out of USNA plebe year without it. Assuming you get a 2.0 GPA and don't have any disciplinary issues, you'll be USNA Class of 2031.
 
GritGuardian said:
* After reading the email more carefully, I realized that I had completely misread it the first time—it stated that I was not selected for admission to NAPS. I apologize for the confusion.
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Ughhh. Emotional ups and downs with this process seem to be the norm. You are obviously a great candidate given your LOAs to the other academies. Not to sound trite, but this could be redirection that ends up sending you down the best pathway for you. 🙏
 
You are a great candidate. Keep your head high. Tough to see very good candidates getting turned down.
 
GritGuardian said:
Should I consider contacting admissions for further clarification?
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Admission to any Service Academy is competitive, and you were likely competing with a different pool of candidates for USNA than other Service Academies. It is clear from the other LOA's that you were competitive, and I don't think USNA can give you any more specific feedback other than its competitive and someone else was more competitive. It is unfortunate that every year some very good candidates get left out... Best of luck.
 
I really hate it for all these kids and parents. It's not a reflection of your kids and I know if they made it this far, they are destined to do great things.

I have been on both sides of the application decision and I know how heartbreaking the turn down is.

NROTC is often called the Plan B, but in reality it really is more like Plan A-2. It's an incredible opportunity and I hope those of you who didn't get the decision they hoped for from USNA will strongly consider NROTC.
 
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hottytoddy2026 said:
DS got the turn down today as well. Brightside, he has an NROTC scholarship. As he said, a commission is the goal. It's about the service and not the path.
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Sorry to hear that he got the TD, but I do love his mindset. Tell him keep it up!
 
The TD is really tough. Tough on the applicants and family, we went through it 3 years ago. Keep your head up, 2 of the 4 Astronauts on Artemis II are Navy, neither were USNA. A TD, is just as defining as an appointment, it just means you'll succeed in a different direction. Good luck!
 
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